Saturday, October 31, 2009

You know, I've been thinking this past week or so... there something pretty exciting going on in country music these days. I feel like there has been a shift in the music that we get to listen, it might be slight, as in nothing drastic, but I really do feel like there has been a positive change in the music.

Look at some of the recent singles hitting the charts and radio...

The Lost Trailers "Country Folks (Livin' Loud)"

Chris Young "Getting You Home"

Luke Bryan "Do I"

Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews "I'm Alive"

Tim McGraw's new album

Eric Church

Now these are just a few of the examples I found looking at this point: There is a turn I believe for a more country sound in country radio. Its not a major overhaul, but, its slight. Biggest deal I see is in the lyrics. I feel excited again lately with my country music. I have always and always will love country music, but there are times there is a bigger spark, and that time seems to be right now. This is especially so considering that in the past months or so, I felt more critical about the music I love rather than positive.

Its not just the new artists either, as you can see from the small list of examples above. I mean, Tim McGraw's newest release is amazing. That album is filled with what I look for in a solid country album.

The pop country is just that. It doesn't really get in my soul and power that love of the music far, but real strong lyric writing and a true country sound does. There hundreds of songs out there that don't have the substance that a true country song should. In the last few weeks though, some of the music I am hearing has substance and even carry a country sound.

I sure hope we are seeing a turn and that change of direction will continue. The country music industry takes a long time to move in another direction... this just may be the beginning, but at the same time, I certainly won't get my hopes up.

Do you feel the same way? Are you finding certain songs and artists are grabbing your attention a little more than say 2 months ago? Or do see it worse? Or do you like the pop mainstream sound in country? I'd love to hear from you....

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Country Folks (Livin' Loud) by The Lost Trailers is one of those songs that just gets in my head and stays... what a great song. If you haven't heard it, you should take a listen, I bet you will add it to your library of songs quick.

Not many songs come around that I just want to listen and sing with all day long if I could. The lyrics are excellent, great sound to the song, a good country beat, and it just doesn't get old.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

United States House Resolution was passed with all present voting "yay." Something they can agree on huh? What is it? Well... country music. Here is the video of the remarks made by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL.)

H RES 650 (Roll # 766)

Recognizing That Country Music Has Made A Tremendous Contribution To American Life and Culture and Declaring Country Music To Be A Uniquely American Art Form

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Well, it is voting time for CMA Members, and that means we are getting real close to the 2009 CMA Awards. 23 days in fact.

So, I think its time to go on the record with my predictions for the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards.

These are just that predictions. I usually have a 50/50 track record on this game. After you read my predictions, join in on the discussion over on Facebook to share your predictions!

Music Video- Taylor Swift "Love Story"This category is always heard to call. There always great videos and personally, I don't watch too many videos. I'm going with Taylor Swift on this one.

Musical Event- "Start A Band" Brad Paisley and Keith UrbanWell, this category comes down to two I think. "Cowgirls Don't Cry" and "Start A Band." "I Told You So" was a great nominee, but doesn't have anywhere near the airplay that the other two does. I think talent in instrumentation takes this category, with the guitar work both of these talented artists give to the song. Plus, think about it, how many times have you heard this song in the past year?

New Artist- Zac Brown BandWow, I didn't like thinking about this category. Again, Zac Brown Band for their country music exposure, fan base, and attention they have received this year with "Chicken Fried" among other hits or the raw country talent of Jamey Johnson. This is one category I wish the final vote tally would be shared.. it will be close.Single- "Chicken Fried"Now remember, this category is more oabout the song itself, and not so much the songwriting aspects. This song has been addictive, massive airplay, made fans for the group, and just a plain fun song.

Song- "Then" Brad PaisleyPowerhouse lyrical ballad. This category focuses on the song lyrics. "In Color" as well could very easily win this award. If the Association follows their history of giving awards, "In Color" will miss the win... even though it may be justified to come out on top.

Album- "Fearless" Taylor SwiftUm, what can I say. One word- Sales. She has been a life line for the industry.

Vocal Duo- SugarlandLook at the past year for this duo. There is Brooks & Dunn that may be the sentimental favorite.. as many times as they have won this award and announcing the end of the duo.

Vocal Group- Rascal FlattsAnother year for Rascal Flatts. Tour success and pop appeal just may be enough for another year for them.

Female Vocalist- Taylor SwiftNot much to say here... or to compete with. Look at album sales, she wins. Look at tour success, she wins. Look at just about any category and she is on top or close to it.Male Vocalist- Kenny ChesenyWell.. can we have a tie? Just give them all the award- 1 for each or cut it up into pieces. No, um, ok.. well, it can come down to a coin flip. I mean really. All 5 nominees live up to this award. Lets go with Kenny Chesney.

Entertainer- Taylor SwiftIt's going to amazing to watch. Can you see her excitement already? I have a feeling we will see it live... her year has again been explosive to say the least. Tour, album, singles, character, and any other quality you can think of she has been the best of the best for country music this year. Not much of a close call, for a change. If she doesn't win it, well, that will be shocking.

You can share your thoughts and make your own predictions over on the Fans of Country Music Alive page on Facebook! Go to:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=78642062196

Be sure to watch The 43rd Annual CMA Awards on November 11, 2009 at 8pm EST on ABC. Also, keep checking the Country Music Alive Blog for updates on performers, presenters. Day-of coverage of the CMA Awards will be on Twitter, along with updates before and after the show. (@cntryalive)

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Have a general country music question? What to let me know what you think of the blog? Want to talk about country music for a few moments?

Well, you can, live.. on the right side of the blog you will see a chat area. If I am online, I can respond instantly, like an instant messenger program. If I'm not, leave your email address and I can respond back to you when I am here.

Hope you find this feature useful and enjoyable. Just one more way to allow me to connect with you, my visitors. I would love to hear from you, especially my daily visitors.

note: If you viewing the blog anywhere else than http://countrymusicalive.blogspot.com/ you will have to come to that website to use this feature. This blog is re-distributed on many other websites, rss feed, and e-mail subscription option as well.

Look for Taylor Swift to host Saturday Night Live on November 7, 2009. She will hold dual roles as the host and as a performer...

The new Platinum version of Fearless hits stores October 27 and can be pre-ordered right now from Amazon. That way, it will awaiting you on your doorstep on the day or very shortly there after from the release date. No worry that the store will run out. You will also recieve a $1 credit from Amazon for a free song download of your choice...and orders over $25 qualify for free shipping.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Well, here we go. Garth Brooks has made his announcement. He will be returning to the stage. No, not a world tour or even a U.S. tour, but in Las Vegas.

Garth will be playing shows on the weekends. 1 show Friday, 2 shows Saturday, and 1 show on Sunday at The Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. This will be a 5-year project, beginning with 16 weeks. The first show will take place December 11, 2009 and then will return to the stage January 1, 2, and 3. Tickets will be $125 for a seat, cheap for Vegas shows, and will be the price no matter what seat. There will be a strict no-scalping policy in effect, that will include providing identification. Tickets go on sale October 24, 2009.

This will be basically a one-man show. Just Garth and his guitar. He may have a special guest or two, including not ruling out that Trisha Yearwood would be apart of the show. Though, he did add that each show will be different and could last about 90 minutes. It could be longer or shorter, you just never know with a Garth Brooks show.

So, those are the facts. Now some of why he is doing it...

We all know, Garth said that he would not tour until his youngest daughter turned 18. Its been 11 years since he has performed a tour type concert. The daughters are now 17, 15, and 13. So.. that's where the 5-year project comes into play. He said he wanted to be there for his kids and family.. and he meant it.. and still does. He still stands by his statement of no touring and also added no new music is planned during the upcoming 5 years.

The Wynn Hotel deal comes with a private jet for him to be able to commute back and forth from his home in Oklahoma. Its a two-hour flight, and factor in the time change... he can leave at 6pm and arrive in Vegas at 6pm. So, he will be able to be home all week and even attend church on Sunday mornings. If there is a special event or important sporting event he doesn't want to miss seeing his children play, well, the show may be delayed an hour or whatever to allow that to happen. The show schedule will be released by the quarter year; giving Garth full control of when he will be performing and when he won't.

Garth talked today at the press conference about the importance of being with his family and how important that is to him. He also expressed how much he does his playing music and entertaining his fans. With a big Garth signature smile of holding back those heart-felt tears of joy expression, Garth said "I'm going to get to play music." That really sums up so much about Garth. Music and his family are the two most important things in his life... and this arrangement makes it possible for him to be there for his family and play music.

It was so awesome hearing Garth Brooks talk today. The passion he has for the music has never died, but today it felt to be re-born again. The well mannered, fun, and spoken from the heart Garth Brooks we all know and love was filled with the fire passion he has always portrayed, but today it felt like a re-birth as well.

This is such a great deal for Garth. It allows him what he loves to.. perform for his fans. Its good for his fans, in some ways. First, fans get to see him again perform. Second, they see a different side of Garth's performing style... lower key and communicating the power of a song Garth, that not always gets to be seen. The only bad part is he is only in one city and a fairly limited schedule and somewhat smaller venue. But hey, that can be a plus as well...

Any thoughts on what you think of Garth's return is of course always welcomed.. leave a comment.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Yesterday, I wrote about an album that came out a year ago.. today I'm talking about an album that isn't out yet. Tim McGraw has a new album on its way October 20, 2009 titled "Southern Voice." Amazon already has clips available to listen to and get a feel for what is coming.

From the short clips, its worth getting excited about... I'm hearing a more traditional country sound from Tim McGraw on these couple second clips. Even feels like a turn-back to a younger McGraw feel... I can't wait to get my hands on this one to give you a full review.

On Monday, October 12, Tim McGraw will perform at 8pm ET a 7 song "Live@Letterman," a live webcast from the set of the Late Show with David Letterman. That night, he will perform on The David Letterman Show and then again Friday October 16.

Tim McGraw's new single "Southern Voice" is currently #23 on the Billboard Country Singles Chart. The new album is out Tuesday October 20.. but it can pre-ordered right now below.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Its sorta fun when an amazingly talented album gets overlooked in picking up and listening to. I've heard their single "Cheater Cheater" and really thought it was a great song and kept meaning to pickup the album. Well, a year has passed by since the release of Joey + Rory "The Life of A Song" and I am giving it a listen.

Let me put it this way... I have been missing out; big time.

I keep searching for the real deal. You know that country music tradition that is missing from today's pop country... I know the talent is out there and even some of the artists that record what is on the charts could do it as well. It is is possible to keep tradition in the music and still record music that carries a contemporary message and tone. "The Life of a Song" proves this point over and over- note by note. Don't believe me? I challenge you to listen to this album. True country music at its finest...just reading their bio's, you know they are as real as they get.

The soul-filled passion from the vocals Joe is more than enjoyable to listen to as Rory fills a perfect harmonized sound in what is a very intimate sound.

As I went through song by song, I was just still in awe of their performances. Lyrically masterful, true country instrumentation, and full of love can be heard note by note of this husband and wife duo.

The first track "Play the Song" just about sums up what I find myself ranting about pretty often, and I feel a post about it coming again pretty soon ... If you put the song on the radio and give some of the real country music a chance you just may be surprised what people truly like. I'll leave it at that for now, and just say the song itself is a perfect beginning to this album and is a great sounding tune.

"Sweet Emmylou" is about just what you think it would be.. the great Emmylou Harris. The lyrics to this song are just incredible. "Sweet Emmylou, what are we gonna do / It's only been a week or two, and he's found someone new / Looks like it's gonna be, another night of you and meSweet Emmylou." Enough said- just listen.

Their single "Cheater, Cheater" is yet another gem on this album... and just does prove if you play a song, people just might like it.

The "Heart of the Wood" is the most beautifully crafted songs on the album. Delivered acoustically, first you notice the vocals are just so very simple, yet, amazingly powerful.. wow, beautiful just keeps coming to mind. Its the lyrics though that makes this song quickly becoming one of my favorite songs of all time. Yes, you read that right. Its one of those songs that I want you to hear for yourself and absorb the lyrics. "Heart of the Wood" is that good.

Pick up this album... download it, or however else you can figure out how to purchase this album and enjoy. I'd love to know what you think as well, leave a comment if you wish

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Now, I don't do too many comedy reviews, however, when it comes to the cast of The Blue Comedy Tour (original group,) I just have to be sure you all know about it. This time around, its a new album from Bill Engvall. The album is titled "Aged and Confused."

This album is classic Bill Engvall, and its best; this routine talks about true life. Engvall being 52 years old, the album deals with some of those experiences. It talks about married life, vacation trips, and much more... in Engvall style, of course.

Its nice to put the album in and hear the same style of comedy that I remember from his 1996 Platinum debut solo album, "Here's Your Sign."

If you own or heard anything else from Bill Engvall, you will love this album just as you do the rest...

The album was recorded at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and is goes on sale today in stores and of course from Amazon.com above, or digitally download below as you can also listen to clips from the album.

Monday, October 05, 2009

The 5' 2" tall powerhouse-ballad soprano vocalist Martina McBride and the 6' 6" tall strong baritone vocalist Trace Adkins have teamed up together for the upcoming Sunnyd Presents The Shine All Night Tour. McBride will have the beauty of country music that the ladies love to hear and Adkins will bring on the power for the guys. Wow. I could go on about the contrast and comparisons, but we will stop there (because there a ton.)

I do know this will be one heck of a show.

Both McBride and Adkins will each perform full-length shows. In a few select cities, Blake Shelton and The Lost Trailers will be performing with Martina McBride.

The show is sponsored by SunnyD and GAC. Trace Adkins is sponsored by BC Powder.

Its getting real close to that time of year! The 2009 CMA Awards will air November 11. The nominees have been announced, but now it is time for the announcements of performers and presenters to begin. The first round of performers are out. Big names, but no surprises here.1st Round of Performers:

The Country Music Alive viewer's guide is posted. It is your quick information source. You can visit that at: http://countrymusicalive.com/features/cma43/index.htm

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Paisley and Underwood, airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. The official website is http://www.cmaawards.com

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family-farmed food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Ready for a big weekend on CMT?

For the first time in CMT history, CMT, CMT PURE and CMT.com will debut nine new music videos from superstar artists in one exclusive, world premiere event entitled CMT BIG NEW MUSIC WEEKEND, beginning Friday, October 2.

Brand new videos from Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney (featuring Dave Matthews), Keith Urban, Sugarland, Reba, Miranda Lambert, Billy Currington and Michelle Branch, will be featured throughout CMT and CMT PURE all weekend long. All of the world premiere videos will be available beginning same day, exclusively on CMT.com.